And after a quick start, the visitors took the lead inside eight minutes when Andrew Crofts kept Djordjevic onside and he headed home under no pressure inside the six-yard box.

Serbia continued to look dangerous from set-pieces with both Dusan Tadic and Branislav Ivanovic going close with efforts from set-pieces.

Wales did settle, with Aaron Ramsey creating a number of half-chances but a wonderful strike from Kolarov in the 38th minute doubled Serbia’s advantage when he let fly from distance to give Myhill no chance in the Wales goal.

The game was wrapped up in the 55th minute when Markovic reacted quickest following two efforts from Tadic and he side-footed the ball into the net.

Wales continued to be overrun but the home crowd did have something to cheer about when Bale was introduced into the game just before the hour mark.

The Real Madrid star went close on two occasions with testing efforts as he showed his superior skills despite a long lay-off this summer.

Bale again tested Vladimir Stojkovic in the Serbia goal with a long-range free kick, but the Partizan Belgrade man reacted well to tip the ball over.

But Coleman's side came out empty-handed and slumped to the bottom of the group, courtesy of Scotland's win over Macedonia.